What is this Riddim Everyone Keeps Talking About?

Zach Landis | February 27, 2017

Riddim, the latest trend in the EDM world is quickly on the rise to the top of listener's playlists. But what is riddim? How does it differ from what's currently playing through your speakers? We took it upon ourselves to crank the volume and do a little research to find out.

The Roots of Riddim

To fully understand the depths of this newly emerging genre, we must first understand its roots: dubstep.

Dubstep, originated in South London, is a form of dance music with an emphasis on heavy bass lines, drums, and sporadic, short rhythms. Originators of the dubstep world include notable artists such as Grammy winning nominee Skrillex, to Rusko, Flux Pavillion, and the list goes on. The earliest dubstep release dates back to 1998, but with such a massive take off of the originating genre around 2008, the rise of similar sub-genres was inevitable.

Riddim is a sub-genre of the EDM world dominating genre, dubstep. However, this isn't the only origin of this new style of dance music. You may recognize it as the Jamaican Patois pronunciation of the word "rhythm." In fact, the triplet percussion arrangement in riddim is very similar to that of riddim reggae music.

The Transition

This track by riddim enthusiast, Boogie T., is a prime example of the integration of the new sound. "RiddimStep" has a blend of dubstep in this new flow accompanied by wonky beats that are guaranteed to keep that body in motion. "Boy's got the riddim!"

A Bass-Filled Bouncing Dance Floor

When listening to a riddim track, or preferably, attending a riddim concert, you still may not know what to expect. As soon as you walk on to the dance floor, the bass will take over and your heart rate aligns with the sound.

The use of layers in an average riddim track is minimal, ensuring that emphasis is on the drone (a continually held pulse or tone), and repetition. However, within these layers, you will also find wide delays filled with bouncy, wompy, and sometimes trappy sounds that induce a heavy bass arm and neck jerking motions. Usually accompanied by some sort of chorus filter and lots of flanger, the music may not permit you to stop dancing. Never stop dancing, it's good for you.

We at iEDM encourage you to listen to the tracks below and update your playlists, because riddim is here and it's here to stay!

about the writer

Zach Landis

Read More...Zach has been active in the concert and nightlife community for over 12 years. With a background in hip hop, and an evolved love for future bass music and EDM festivals, he has insight on just about every genre on the spectrum.

Zach enjoy's spinning poi and going to live music shows for fun. In the summer of 2017, Zach will be backpacking across Europe to dig into the music scene across the pond.